How to play The Escapists 2 online on Android: complete guide 2026

The Escapists 2 is a cult game about prison escapes, which has become even more exciting in the company of friends. However, the official mobile version of Android does not directly support multiplayer via the Internet. This doesn't mean online play is impossible! In this guide, we will look at all the working ways to organize co-op or PvP on a smartphone: from creating a local network to using VPN tunnels and cloud services.

It is important to understand that the network mode on Android has limitations. The game is initially designed for PC and consoles, so the mobile version will require additional tools. We tested all methods on current firmware (Android 13–15) and identified key nuances: from choosing the right version The Escapists 2 to setting up ports and solving lags. If you're willing to spend 10-15 minutes getting ready, you'll have hours of fun escaping together!

1. Device and game requirements

Before you start setting up an online game, make sure that your smartphone meets the minimum requirements. The Escapists 2 on Android this is a resource-intensive game, and for stable multiplayer you will need:

• 📱 Processor: Snapdragon 660 / Helio G90T or higher (on MediaTek Dimensity lags are possible).
• 🎮 RAM: minimum 4 GB (6+ GB recommended for games with 3+ players).
• 🔋 Android: version 9.0 and higher (Android 8.1 and lower does not support the necessary APIs for VPN).
• 📶 Internet: stable connection with ping <100 ms (Wi-Fi 5 GHz or 4G/5G).

It is critical to use licensed version of the game from Google Play or Amazon Appstore. Pirated APKs often block online functions or contain modified files that prevent the game from seeing other players. Check the version The Escapists 2 in the settings: it should be at least 1.2.4 (current for 2026).

Compatibility Warning: some devices on chips Exynos (for example, Samsung Galaxy S20–S22) may experience problems with synchronization of the game world due to the characteristics of the Mali-GPU drivers. If you have such a device, try lowering the graphics settings to Medium in the game menu.

2. Methods of network play on Android

On the mobile version The Escapists 2 three main methods of organizing multiplayer are available. Each has its pros and cons:

Method	Setting complexity	Max. players	Requirements	Lags/delays
Local network (LAN)	Low	4	One Wi-Fi router	Minimum
VPN (Hamachi/ZeroTier)	Average	8	VPN account, PC for hosting	Medium (depending on the server)
Cloud PC (GeForce NOW)	High	4	GeForce NOW account, PC version games	Low (with good internet)

The easiest way is LAN, but it only works if all players are connected to the same network. To play over the Internet you will need VPN tunnel (for example, Hamachi or ZeroTier), which emulates a local network. An alternative is to rent a virtual PC in services like GeForce NOW, where you can run the PC version of the game with a full online mode.

3. Setting up a game via a local network (LAN)

If you and your friends are on the same network (for example, at home or in a cafe with shared Wi-Fi), follow these steps:

1. Make sure that all devices are connected to one router (not via mobile data!).
2. Run The Escapists 2 on all smartphones and wait for the main menu.
3. On host (the device that creates the game) select:

   Play → Multiplayer → Host Game

   Set the parameters: mode (Co-op or Versus), prison and number of players.

4. On other devices, select:

   Play → Multiplayer → Join Game

   The game should automatically detect the host on the local network.

If the game does not sees the host, check:

• 🔌 Disable firewall on the router (or add an exception for ports 27015–27020).
• 📡 Reboot the router - sometimes DHCP does not provide the correct local IPs.
• 🔄 Make sure that it is enabled on all devices Local multiplayer in the game settings.

Devices on the same network|mobile data disabled|Game version updated|Ports 27015–27020 open|Router firewall disabled-->

Critical detail: if you have a router with double NAT (for example, from provider), local multiplayer will not work. In this case, proceed to the VPN method.

4. Playing over a VPN: Hamachi and ZeroTier

For playing over the Internet, the best option is to create a virtual local network using a VPN. We recommend ZeroTier (free up to 100 devices) or LogMeIn Hamachi (limit 5 devices). Instructions for ZeroTier:

1. Download ZeroTier One from Google Play to all devices.
2. Register on the site ZeroTier and create a new network (Network ID).
3. Connect all smartphones to this network through the app (enter Network ID).
4. On the website ZeroTier confirm the connection of devices in the section Members (tick Auth?).
5. Run The Escapists 2 and follow the instructions for LAN mode (the host creates the game, the others connect).

For Hamachi the process is similar, but there are nuances:

• 🖥️ Required PC with Hamachi as an intermediary (smartphones cannot create networks in Hamachi directly).
• 🔑 On the PC you need to enable Unmanaged mode and manually assign IP addresses to devices.
• ⚡ With a large ping (>150 ms) the game will slow down - choose a VPN server closer to your region.

What to do if the VPN does not connect?

If ZeroTier or Hamachi does not issue an IP address to the device:

1. Check that VPN connections are allowed in your Android settings (Settings → Network and Internet → VPN).

2. Disable your antivirus (for example, Avast or Kaspersky may block tunnels).

3. Reboot the router - sometimes providers block non-standard UDP packets.

4. Try changing ZeroTier try changing Network ID to another (for example, from xxxxxx to yyyyyy).

⚠️ Attention: some mobile operators (for example MTS or Beeline) block P2P connections on their networks. If playing via VPN does not work on the mobile data, switch to Wi-Fi.

5. Alternative methods: cloud PC and emulators

If VPN seems complicated, consider renting a cloud PC Services like GeForce NOW, Shadow or Plutosphere allow you to run the PC version The Escapists 2 with a full online mode Pros:

• 🎮 Full compatibility with multiplayer (as on a PC).
• 🚀 No lags if you have good internet (>50 Mbit/s).
• 🔓 You can play with friends on PC/consoles.

Cons: requires a subscription (from 300-500 ₽/month) and a stable connection To start:

1. Register. in GeForce NOW and connect your account Steam/Epic Games.
2. Buy The Escapists 2 in Steam (if you have not purchased it yet).
3. Start the game via GeForce NOW and select Multiplayer.
4. Invite friends via Steam or manually (by IP).

Another option is an emulator BlueStacks or MuMu Player on PC. Install it The Escapists 2 from Google Play and play through the emulator, just like on Android. This is true if you have a weak smartphone, but a powerful computer.

6. Solving common problems

Even with correct configuration, errors may occur. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

Problem	Cause	Solution
"Failed to connect to host"	Blocking ports with a router or firewall	Open the ports 27015–27020 in the router settings
Game lags/freezes	Weak processor or high ping in VPN	Reduce graphics to Low or change VPN server
Created games are not visible	Different versions of the game or modified APK	Update the game to the latest version from the official store
"Connection timed out"	VPN tunnel is not stable	Reconnect to the network or change the VPN (from Hamachi to ZeroTier)

If the game crashes when connected, try:

• 🔄 Restart The Escapists 2 and the VPN application.
• 📱 Clear game cache in Android settings (Settings → Applications → The Escapists 2 → Memory → Clear cache).
• 🔌 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes changing the router channel helps data-i="211">on 2.4 GHz on 5 GHz).

⚠️ Attention: if you use root access or custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), some VPN services may not work due to changed network stacks. In this case, try WireGuard instead. Hamachi/ZeroTier.

7. Optimizing performance for multiplayer

Multiplayer requires more resources than single-player mode. To reduce lags and improve FPS:

• 🔧 In the game settings, set:

  Graphics: Low or Medium
  Effects: Disabled
  Shadows: Off
  Resolution: 720p (if available)

• 🔋 Activate performance mode in Android settings (Settings → Battery → Mode performance).
• 🚫 Close all background applications (especially instant messengers and browsers).
• 🔌 Connect your smartphone to charger - when the battery level is low (<30%), the processor automatically reduces power.

For devices with AMOLED screens (for example, Samsung Galaxy or OnePlus) enable dark theme in the Android settings. This will reduce the load on the GPU and increase battery life by 10-15%.

If the game still slows down, try using Game Booster (built into MIUI, Realme UI) or third-party utilities like GFX Tools for forced limitation of FPS to 30 fps.

8. Security when playing online

Using VPN and opening ports is associated with risks. Follow these rules:

• 🔒 Never share Network ID with strangers - this gives access to your virtual network. ZeroTier/Hamachi with strangers - this gives access to your virtual network.
• 🛡️ Use complex passwords for VPN accounts and Steam (if you play via the cloud).
• 🔍 Before connecting to someone else's VPN network, check it for viruses via VirusTotal.
• 🚫 Avoid “hacked” versions of the game - they often contain backdoors to steal data.

If you are creating a public game, limit the number of players and use a password to connect. In The Escapists 2 this can be done in the host settings:

Host Game → Game Settings → Password: [enter password]

⚠️ Attention: when playing through Hamachi your real IP address may be visible to other players. To hide it, use an additional proxy server or Tor (but this will increase the ping).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Can I play The Escapists 2 online without a VPN?

Officially - no. The mobile version does not support direct online mode. Alternatives: local network (LAN) or cloud services like How many players does multiplayer on Android support? However, on weak smartphones it is recommended to play with three people to avoid lags. GeForce NOW.

How many players does multiplayer support on Android?

Maximum - 4 players per Co-op and 8 in Versus (when using VPN). However, on weak smartphones it is recommended to play with three people to avoid lags.

Why does the game crash when connected to the host?

Most often this is due to:

• Different versions of the game (update all devices).
• Blocking of ports antivirus or router.
• Low memory (close background applications).

Try restarting the VPN and the game.

Can I play with friends on PC or consoles?

Direct cross-play between Android and others no platforms. But if you are using GeForce NOW or an emulator on a PC, then technically you are playing on the same platform (PC), and multiplayer will work.

How to reduce ping in a game via VPN?

Here are several ways:

• Choose a VPN server closer to your region (for example, for Russia - Frankfurt or Amsterdam).
• Connect to the Internet via cable (if you are using a PC for hosting).
• Disable downloads/updates on other devices on your network.
• T ZeroTier try enabling the option Prefer IPv4 in the network settings.